Kendra Bates Dances Back To La Life After Amish Experience

  • By Lexie
  • Feb. 26, 2026, 6 a.m.

Kendra Bates Opens Up About Leaving the Amish Life

In a recent social media reveal, Kendra Bates, the former star of "Suddenly Amish," shed light on why she bid farewell to her on-screen Amish journey. The Lancaster lifestyle proved to be quite the cultural whirlwind for Bates, who decided to return to her vibrant "English" life in the City of Angels. As a professional dancer and OnlyFans model, Kendra's LA lifestyle was a world away from the Amish way of life. Now, she's finally sharing her reasons for leaving the community and stepping back into her old groove.

Kendra initially joined the TLC show "Suddenly Amish" as a way to reconnect with her Mennonite roots. Yet, the transition from neon lights to lanterns was anything but smooth. "I realized that I was living a life to find myself," she said, hinting at the inner tug-of-war she experienced. But what truly led her to give up the Amish life for good? Keep reading to find out.

“I realized that I was living a life to find myself,” Kendra shared, reflecting on her time on the show.

Did Kendra Really Embrace Amish Traditions?

As "Suddenly Amish" viewers know, Kendra's departure wasn't without its share of drama. OG cast member Billie Joe accused her of feeling exempt from the Amish rules after she decided to check into a motel with Matt. The morning after, she tearfully admitted to BJ that the rules felt overwhelming for someone not raised Amish.

From the very start, Kendra seemed to struggle with the stringent lifestyle. Her quick decision to leave the community and her reactions to BJ's confrontation raised eyebrows among fans and fellow cast members. The question remains: did she genuinely try to live the Amish way, or was the experience too restrictive for her free spirit?

Kendra's Closing Chapter with "Suddenly Amish"

In a candid Instagram post, Kendra clarified her reasons for stepping away. She emphasized that reality TV comes with its own set of challenges, aside from living the Amish life. She reminded fans that what they see on TV is only a fraction of the reality, as many moments never make it to the screen.

While she appreciated the experience and the chance to explore her roots, Kendra made it clear she wasn't going to stay just for the show. "I gathered the experience I needed," she noted, adding that certain experiences on the show led to personal growth.

Fans seem to rally behind Kendra, praising her decision to follow her heart. One fan expressed, "You are one impressive woman!" while another encouraged her strength and wisdom. Kendra Bates may have left the Amish lifestyle behind, but her journey has only just begun.

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Lexie
Author: Lexie
Lexie

Lexie

With bright pink hair and a sharper tongue, Lexie Blaze lives for LA’s messiest moments. From red carpet slips to DM leaks, her stories hit fast, hot, and unapologetically raw. Drama doesn’t scare her — it fuels her.